Remote desktop is a feature included in most operating systems. It can be useful if you want to access your computer from another location or if you want to give someone else access to your computer, for technical or other reasons. You can enable remote desktop on your computer by reading the following steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Windows XP
Step 1. Click on the "Start" button
Choose "Control Panel". Click on "Performance and Maintenance". Click on the icon marked "System".
Step 2. Choose the "Remote" tab
Check the box marked "Allow users to remotely connect to this computer" and click "OK".
Step 3. Return to the "Control Panel" and choose "Select a category"
Click on "Security Center" and then on "Windows Firewall". Uncheck the box marked "Don't allow exceptions".
Step 4. Select the "Exceptions" tab and check the "Remote Desktop" box
Click on "OK".
Step 5. Leave your computer on and stay connected to the Internet
Your computer is now ready for remote access.
Method 2 of 3: Windows Vista and Windows 7
Step 1. Click on the "Start" button
Step 2. Right click on "Computer" and choose "Properties"
Step 3. Find the "Actions" menu on the left side of the window
Click on "Remote Settings".
Step 4. Check the box next to "Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer" under "Remote Assistance"
Make sure the "Do not allow connections to this computer" box is disabled. Click Apply and then OK.
Step 5. Leave your computer on and stay connected to the Internet
Your computer is now ready for remote access.
Method 3 of 3: Mac OS
Step 1. Click on the "Apple" menu
Choose "System Preferences". Click on "Internet & Network" and then on "Sharing".
Step 2. Select "Apple Remote Desktop" and verify that the "Remote Desktop Control Active" message appears
Otherwise click on the button below to activate it.
Step 3. Deactivate the firewall by clicking on the appropriate tab and then on the "Stop" button
If your firewall is already disabled the "Stop" button will not appear. Your computer is now ready for remote access.
Advice
- If you cannot access the remote desktop settings with Windows Vista or Windows 7, you must be logged in as an administrator. Click on the "Start" button and then on "Disconnect". The user login screen will be displayed, where you can choose to log in as "Administrator" by entering the appropriate password.
- In Windows Vista and Windows 7, the firewall settings change automatically depending on the configuration of the computer. If you are using one of these operating systems then there is no need to change the firewall settings to enable the remote desktop functionality.
